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August 14, 2018

There are quite a couple of places selling “Lu Rou Fan” aka Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice in Singapore, but there is usually something missing in terms of taste. Eat 3 Bowls 呷三碗, a humble stall at Seah Imm Food Centre somehow managed to find that right balance, and attracted quite a good following over time. You do get the feeling of being in Taiwan when you eat their stuff. The good news, the stall has moved to a bigger space at Crawford Lane, located right between Tolido’s Espresso Nook and Hatter Street. I loved the décor to bits. This is partly because I was a teacher, and also had the thought of opening a classroom themed café once upon in my life. The new outlet of Eat 3 Bowls is fashioned after a Taiwanese-style classroom in the 90s, with a big notice board, wooden tables and chairs that can be rearranged into rows, coupled with specially-customised army green canvas bags hanging around on chairs. Its menu is designed like an exercise book, and you can also write your name on its cover which can be erased. The female service staff went ”huan ying guang ling” in that typical sweet Rainie Yang style voice, ending almost every sentence with ”wo” (upward tone). Only the Taiwanese girls can do that, so don’t try this in your office. I almost wanted to order everything on the menu, so decided on the safe choice of an Eat Three Bowls Set ($15) of Braised Pork Rice, Chicken Rice, Oyster Intestine Mee Sua, along with a drink. Good for two to share. (Actually, I think one hungry man can finish this.) The Lu Rou Fan was as authentic as it gets, with pork meat and fats braised for a number of hours, scooped on fluffy-short grain…

August 13, 2018

[Hong Kong] Located along a quieter street in the busy district of Wan Chai, you can easily spot Mrs Tang Café from their bold and minimalist shop front which displays their 4 character Chinese name. No English name below. If that is not a clue of how hidden from the tourist eye they are, you will also find that there is also no English menu available. Mrs Tang is a crowded lunch spot for the Wan Chai working crowd and is popular for their rich tomato soup noodles, bolo bun sandwiches and Hong Kong Milk Tea. On another note, you may wonder who “Mrs Tang” is. Like is she someone famous? It is named after The Tang Clan, one of the Great Five Clans of Hong Kong and considered to be made up of native Hong Kong people. The original outlet is located in a village in Yuen Long on the Ping Shan Heritage Trail, well-known among the locals for their constant queues and good food. Unfortunately that location is hard to get to without having a car, so opening an outlet nearer to the city was definitely a move very welcomed by many. There is another outlet at Kwun Tong. As this is a newer branch, the interior is modern and seats are slightly more comfortable compared to the usual hush-and-rush Hong Kong Cafes. Decorated with wood finishing and white tiles, the design strays away from the traditional Hong Kong cafes. I ordered the Tomato Soup Macaroni with Grilled Chicken Wings and Pork Chop (HKD53, SGD9.20) for a serious meat indulgence. Their chicken wings were delicious and nicely marinated; while their pork chop was tender and flavourful. The tangy tomato broth helped balance things out. The portion was quite generous and I did get quite a bit of meat…

August 12, 2018

Singapore foodies got to brace themselves for yet another anticipated opening. This time, it is Hey Tea 喜茶 from China – the ORIGINAL creators of Cheese Tea. (NOT that other brand, unfortunately.) The location is set to be at ION Orchard. (Also read: 10 Macchiato Drinks In Singapore and 10 Fruit Tea In Singapore.) Now, here’s why the coming of Hey Tea is such as big deal. Hailing from Guangdong and originally known as “Royal Tea”, it has caused long queues when it opened in other major cities of Beijing and Shanghai, When I say “long”, it means a couple of hours long. Hey Tea is said to have a “cult following”, and other famous bubble tea brands do not even enjoy such popularity in China. In fact, there was a review I read that went, ”Gong Cha is officially dead.” Singapore’s outlet is its official first shop overseas. Now you may wonder, ”Haven’t I seen Hey Tea around before?” Its explosive popularity has caused spin-offs of similar looking and sounding brands, with that logo of a boy having a drink being ‘copied’ several times. I am sure you had seen something that looked alike somewhere. (I won’t name them.) Hey Tea is the real McCoy. So when I visited Beijing’s Sanlitun outlet, I was surprised at its very long queue, despite being opened for a relative long period of time. There were several scalpers around that sold the drinks at a much more expensive price, so that you could skip the queue. But please don’t go to them. It took me about 45 minutes before I got my drinks, during an off-peak weekday. This is while every customer had a limit of 3 cups they could buy. I must say I was impressed with its branding and décor, with…

August 10, 2018

[New Delhi] Eating at Lavaash is like taking a journey to a world, where food is more than just a necessity. Instead, it is an art form that brings people together. Serving authentic regional dishes, this charming little restaurant impresses with its quirky décor and mouth-watering preparations. Spearheaded by Sabyasachi Gorai, who was previously associated with the Olive Group, Lavaash is a labour of love that celebrates the chef’s heritage and his memories. Along with the dynamic and young Chef Megha Kohli, presently heading the kitchen, Chef Gorai has created a menu that is filled with excellent ingredients and tastes that can possibly impress the most stringent of food connoisseurs. The dishes comprise of well researched Armenian delicacies along with Bengali food, influenced by the Armenians living in Bengal, that is a part of the chef’s childhood. Lavaash not only gets its name from the famous Armenian bread but is also a play on the words “love” and “aish” (love and fun), something that according to Chef Gorai, defines the city of Delhi. Lavaash believes in the ideology that food should be enjoyed with each other and encourages its patrons to share the dishes. I also found reading the menu, with little explanations and stories, to be a personal experience, a tiny window into the thought process of the chefs and how fervent they are about what they make. Walking into Lavaash is like being bombarded with a burst of colours. There is a vibrant and ethnic feel to it all with a lot of tile work, patterns, and multi-coloured fabric on chairs. It also has a very homey ambience, casual and bright that gets even better during the winter season when the veranda is in full use. Evenings are quite a romantic affair no matter the time of the…

August 07, 2018

With offerings of Wanton Noodles along with a chilli bottle labelled, “I’m not medium hot, I’m extra spicy”, it is hard not to draw comparisons of Wanton Fu with both ENG’s Wantan Noodle and Eng’s Char Siew Wantan Mee. The similarities are uncanny, from the noodle quality, menu offerings to that iconic spicy chilli bottle. I confirmed my suspicion when I saw a familiar face in the kitchen, whom I remember seeing at ENG’s Wantan Noodles. It turns out that a former staff has come out to open his own. Wanton Fu is located at ARC 380 along Jalan Besar. This plot of land the development is sitted on has special significance for me (and many other Wanton Mee lovers), as it is where Kok Kee used to be located. The shop serves up Wanton Noodles ($4.80, $5.80) along with other sides of Oyster Sauce Vegetable ($3.50, $5.50), Boiled Wanton ($3.50, $5.50), and Fried Wanton ($3.50, $5.50). The Signature Wanton Noodles ($5.80) fortunately or unfortunately, tasted too similar to ENG’s Wantan Noodle, with a springy bite and eggy feel to the noodles (I also suspect that it is from the same supplier). The magical moment happens when you douse the noodles in some of those fiery chilli, which would set your tongue tingling. If you are not into the chilli, then this bowl would badly need some sauce and seasoning of some kind, as it was on the dryer and blander side. Thankfully, I spotted a bottle of the home-made garlic oil, and after addition of half a teaspoon, the taste was immediately ‘lifted’ along with the distinct fragrance. Wanton Fu should find a way to incorporate this oil into the base sauce: firstly for the aroma; next to differentiate this with the other Eng’s. You don’t want to be…

August 06, 2018

“Is this the Egg Drop we saw in Korea?”, as passersby were skeptical and mumbling to themselves. One’s Egg Drop, the other is Egg Stop. (This may open up a can of worms, but this is a similar occurrence such as Bake Cheese Tart and Baked Cheese Tart. I am sure you can name a few more.) Not seeing double, Egg Stop is a local kiosk that offers “Korean sandwich shack with an influence of American style breakfast comfort food”. Also included are freshly brewed coffees and sparkling ades. There are so many similarities between Korea’s Egg Drop and Singapore’s Egg Stop, from the concept of American-styled toast to the different options on the menu and the white takeaway packaging. The takeaway kiosk is located right opposite OCBC and beside Wok Hey at Paya Lebar Square. Egg Stop offers ala-carte sandwich ($4.60 – 7.90) and set meal for an additional $2. The menu features just 6 different sandwiches that takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Simply make your order at the counter and a waiting number will be issued. The number will be called when the sandwich is ready for collection. Flavours include Signature Sandwich ($4.60), Chicken Ham & Cheese (4.90), Turkey Bacon & Cheese ($5.50), Smoked Chicken ($5.90), Beef Teriyaki ($7.40) and Avocado & Egg ($7.90). The preparation process reminds me of Isaac Toast and Say Chiizu Toast, with bread buttered and toasted before assembling the ingredients together. My favourite is the Beef Teriyaki ($7.40) with thinly sliced marinated beef torched for smokiness, teriyaki sauce, caramelised onion, mayonnaise and a single raw egg yolk on it. Using thick, buttery bread freshly baked daily, the bread was fortunately soft, moist and fluffy. The buttery brioche complemented well with the sweetness from the beef teriyaki, and the latter added certain chewiness…

August 04, 2018

Pots, pots, pots. Coincidentally, this month is all about Tteokbokki Pot, Dry Fish Pot, Yuzu Shabu Shabu Pot, Steambox (Pot) and Japanese Hot Pot. Means it is time to gather family and friends, to enjoy a meal over these pots. (Also read: 10 NEW Cafés In Singapore August 2018 ) Red Holic 88 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088509 (Tanjong Pagar MRT) Tel: +65 6224 1064 Opening hours: 11.30am – 2am (Mon-Sat), Closed Sun https://www.facebook.com/redholicsg/ Korean Cheesy Tteokbokki & Giant Mandu Specialty Restaurant The Korean “snack house” located on 88 Tanjong Pagar Road (huat huat) specialises in popular Korean comfort food Tteokbokki (rice cake) and Giant Mandu (dumplings). Plus, prices are considered wallet-friendly. A pot of Tteokbokki (without meat option) meant for 2 to 3 diners starts from only $22. This Red Holic Tteokbokki pot comes with an assortment of ingredients which includes fishcakes, spring onion, cabbage, rice noodles, boiled egg that are cooked right at the table. There are three base sauce to choose from – extra sweet, original, extra spicy. For starters, they recommend going for the regular “original” sauce. In terms of spiciness, the regular Tteokbokki pot felt just right for me, with a balance of sweetness and spiciness. Red Holic (Tanjong Pagar) Dookki – The Clementi Mall 3155 Commonwealth Avenue West, #B1-30/31 Singapore 129588 Tel: +65 6904 8733 Korean Tteokbokki Hotpot Buffet At Clementi Mall Singapore’s popular All-You-Can-Eat Korean Tteokbokki Restaurant Dookki has opened a NEW outlet at Clementi Mall. Prices remain unbeatably affordable, at $18.80++ for adults and $10.80++ for children. The first meal of “Tteokbokki” begins with the Korean rice cakes along with other ingredients, to your desired level of spiciness. The second meal is the cooking of Kimchi Fried Rice, in which you add other ingredients such as Kimchi, Seaweed, Sweet Corn, Steamed Rice…

August 04, 2018

There is always a moderately long queue for this Cantonese Soup stall at Alexandra Village Food Centre, all for comforting, nutritious soups at inexpensive prices. For $3.50, you can get a rather filling meal. Hong Kong Yummy Soup 香港靚湯 was recently awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in Singapore. A surprised-yet-not-surprised moment for me. It can be considered a good stall serving reliable soups, but how about all the other worthy stalls under the same roof? (The other awarded stall in the same food centre is Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa.) Cantonese people are HUGE on soups. That is because they believe in the many benefits. Soups help “clear heat” in the body (especially when they are in a humid region), have health and beautifying properties, and nutritional value especially when added with herbs. Hong Kong Yummy Soup has an interesting Chinese name “香港靚湯”, in which the word “靚” is used to describe a beautiful person. The 6 types of soup offered by the stall are Spareribs Soup with Lotus Root ($3.50), Spareribs Soup with Winter Melon ($3.50), Brazil Mushroom Soup With Chicken ($4.50), Spareribs Soup with Mushrooms ($3.50), Cordyceps Flowers Soup with Chicken ($4.50), and Night Blooming Cereus Spareribs Soup ($3.50). The first few Sparerib Soups, said to contain no MSG, are typically the best-selling ones. I usually order the Spareribs Soup with Mushrooms which is light yet nutritious tasting, with an obvious sweetness coming from the carrots. The spareribs were fall-off-the-bone, and would go well with a light dip of soya sauce with cut chilli padi. I found the accompanying rice ($0.50) slightly too dry though. The Brazil Mushroom Soup with Chicken ($4.50) had a particular herbal taste that I did not fancy as much. Compared to other soup stalls, I think people like their offerings because…

August 03, 2018

Known to have 9 outlets in Japan with 14 years of history, Kagurazaka Saryo has opened its very first flagship store right in Singapore at VivoCity. Brought into Singapore by Japan Food Holdings who owns eateries such as Ajisen Ramen, they have replaced existing Fruit Paradise outlet (Oh bye bye, Fruit Paradise!) with Kagurazaka Saryo. Fans of fruit tarts from Fruit Paradise need not worry as the tarts are still available for purchase in slices or in whole at Kagurazaka Saryo. This is a Japanese teahouse that specialises in matcha desserts and drinks. Sounds like heaven for the matcha-holics? Known for their range of Uji Matcha in Kyoto, the interior of Kagurazaka Saryo is designed like a Japanese teahouse with prominent wooden element incorporated in the design. Note: This is not to be confused with the legit, famous Saryo Tsujiri 茶寮都路里 found in Tokyo, even though they both have “Saryo” in their name. Each table is equipped with an iPad for ordering and visual purpose, and only the desserts and drinks are available from 3-5pm daily. Food will be served directly to diners and payment is made at the end of the meal. The menu offers a selection of signature matcha desserts such as their famed Matcha Fondue with Assorted Sides ($14.90) and Matcha Frozen Smores ($9.90). Both matcha and hojicha latte are available in hot ($6.90) and cold ($6.90) versions. Other versions of matcha and hojicha lattes include one with Chocolate ($7.90), Azuki Shiratama ($8.90) or Kuromitsu ($7.90). Their Signature Parfait ($10.90) comes with matcha and vanilla ice cream, warabimochi, jelly, hojicha cream, matcha pudding and topped with Azuki beans and shiratama. It might sound like a good deal with an assortment of ingredients and toppings, but I was unfortunately disappointed with the dessert. The matcha ice cream was…

August 02, 2018

There are still customers who confuse this with the1 Michelin starred Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles at Crawford Lane. This stall is High Street Tai Wah Pork Noodle, located at Level 2 of Hong Lim Food Centre. It is spelt “Tai WAH”, while the other is “Tai HWA”. The Minced Pork Noodle (Bak Chor Mee) stall recently got into the attention of foodies’ attention again after it was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Some fans thought it was well-deserved and finally got its due recognition. Especially so after the other stall has been getting all the limelight. High Street Tai Wah Pork Noodle is run by Mr Tang Chai Chye, and the stall used to be at Bestway Building in Prince Edward Road, and has since moved to Hong Lim Food Centre. (Opposite stall from Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee) He has passed on the ropes to his children. Mr Tang Chai Chye is younger brother to Mr Tang Chay Seng who runs Tai Hwa Pork Noodles at Crawford Lane. Essentially, they all come from the same family anyway and therefore you can expect some similarities in their offerings and recipe. Those who want a close substitute would venture to Hong Lim instead, I do know of friends who prefer this version though. The Bak Chor Mee is priced at $6, $8, and $10, and winning formula is the sauce base with a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce and chilli. Starting with the noodles, there was a soft, chewy bite to the mee kia, though I would have personally preferred it to be springier. I had this for quite a number of times over the years, but somehow the noodles tasted too soggy during my most recent visit. (So much that I suspected that they changed supplier, but…

Travel Highlights: Food from Around The World

August 13, 2018

Located along a quieter street in the busy district of Wan Chai, you can easily spot Mrs Tang Café from their bold and minimalist shop front which displays their 4 character Chinese name. No English name below. If that is not a......

Arteastiq at Mandarin Gallery has always been known for its elegant chi-chi ambience and eclectic range of artisanal tea selections, considered an oasis in the middle of fast-paced Orchard Road. Friends often joke that it is where we can experience the “tai tai” life without actually being one. That...

July 11, 2018

A decade and a half ago when I was visiting Hong Kong and checking out the food guides (during the early-internet days when information was still sketchy and you still depended on a guide book for travel information), Good Hope Noodles 好旺角粥麵專家 popped up in many guides...

July 10, 2018

It is funny how we (our group of Singaporeans) keep heading to The Grounds Of Alexandria for coffee, but missed out Mecca Coffee just a short 10 minutes’ walk away. Mecca Coffee is an industrial styled café located in a warehouse in Alexandria, known to be one of...

July 10, 2018

The Singapore Food Festival (SFF) is back. Now in its 25th year, the main event in Singapore’s food calendar shines the spotlight on authentic local flavours and culinary talents. Taking place from 13th to 29th July, the festival retains its theme of “Savour Singapore in Every Bite”, an invitation...

July 10, 2018

Ramen eatery Bishamon has returned to Singapore after a 4-years absence. Bishamon’s fans will remember it for its Sapporo-style miso ramen, categorised by moderately curly yellow noodles and broth cooked with three types of miso – red, white and black. However, instead of a full shop-front, it will be...

Friends in Punggol can no longer complain that ”There is nothing to eat at Punggol” with the introduction of another dining enclave – Punggol Oasis Terraces. If you are thinking HOW to get there, Punggol Oasis Terraces is located right opposite Oasis LRT station. It houses Punggol Polyclinic, childcare...

July 09, 2018

Taiwanese Porridge restaurant Goldleaf is celebrating its 47th anniversary with the launch of its first ever A La Carte Buffet, featuring 8 of its beloved classics with UNLIMITED servings. Many also do not know that the restaurant known for its old-school, familial Taiwanese cuisine, is now situated at Katong....

July 07, 2018

Five Oars Coffee Roasters along Tanjong Pagar Road is said to be Melbourne-café inspired. Well, I guess that applies to the prices as well. While there is no lack of NEW Cafés in Singapore, some are imported brands and many lack in that “instagrammable” component that will attract the...

July 07, 2018

Sentosa is at it again. The 2nd annual Sentosa GrillFest has returned to Siloso Beach, every Friday to Sunday weekends from July 13th – 29th. (13-15, 20-22, 27-29 July Fri – Sun) Consider this Singapore’s only food street by the beach. Expect hundreds of food items offered by more...